A DECADE after ArtWalk first set the streets of Port Macquarie alight with art, music and activity an estimated 30,000 people turned out to make the 10th anniversary event potentially the biggest ever.
Chris Erdaide, community events officer for Port Macquarie Hastings Council and event organiser for ArtWalk, said it was amazing to see so many people out celebrating.
“While we’ll wait for the official numbers before making any claims, it certainly felt like our largest event yet,” Mr Erdaide said..
“To potentially welcome more than 30,000 people for our 10th birthday would be something really special.”
Cherie and Scott Rayner, from Sunset Gallery, have been with ArtWalk since the beginning in 2017.
They had a projection gallery in a carpark in Murray Street, two doors up from their original gallery.
People were able to jump and dance to an animated dance tutorial created by Jackson Raynor.
Got Ya Back (GYB) Productions first appeared at Artwalk in 2018.
Their new show, ‘The Piano Party’, was staged underneath the fig tree on Town Green.
“Similar to what we did with ‘Banjo’ in 2018, we have come up with a concept and we get to try it out,” said Tim Maddren, from GYB.
“That’s what ArtWalk is about for us.
“We are trialling a 15 minute version of what will grow and develop into something else.”
Tim sang familiar songs, accompanied by dancer Danika Clarkson, and Brian Cousins on a keyboard set inside an old grand piano.
“Brian and I came up with the idea of a piano party where people can participate in shows – sing along and dance.
Audiences did sing along, especially with ‘Sweet Caroline’, and there was a lovely atmosphere as performers and audiences connected.”
The full-length version will be performed on 26 and 27 June at Got Ya Back’s theatre in Hollingsworth Street.
DJ Mel created a silent disco in the beautiful Golden Nugget caravan.
Blob Lab, an interactive art installation drew crowds in the Art Cube.
Roving entertainers Beeswax and Bottlecaps, and Katie Croker with her hula hoops, interacted with crowds on the street.
The stage featured Phoebe Ayla’s fire show, contortionist Foxy Moron, and comedian Joel Salom with his robotic dog Erik.
Council’s Chris Erdaide extended his thanks to all of the artists and performers who shared their creativity and talent throughout the night, and to the businesses that opened their doors and helped create the unique pockets of art, music, and activity that made Artwalk such a special event.
By Pauline CAIN
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